CIAO Board of Directors are sad to announce that Secretary, Lori Detenbeck and her husband, Ralph Blasting will be moving to Canada by the end of the month. Lori and Ralph have contributed to many successful adventures, especially the murder mystery, “Murder at the Beaver,” which Ralph wrote and directed Lori has been secretary for many years. They will be missed not only for their contributions but for their friendship as well. We wish them the best of success for a full and joyful retirement. A thank you dinner for the couple was held at Liberty Cafe on July 8.

CIAO announces the annual meeting and picnic at Russell Joy Park, lower pavilion at noon on Aug. 3. Members are asked to bring their own place settings, a dish to pass and whatever libation they may enjoy. Coffee will be available. This is free to all members and children are always welcome. Be aware that you will receive a phone call to remind you of the picnic. If a message is left, please return call if you are attending or are not going to attend, just so our callers know you received the message. Dues will be due at this time, dues have been reduced to $5 per person. Anyone paying more last year will have their membership extended.

Our Facebook Page is up and running and new pictures will be posted shortly. Some of the pictures are from the past with people who were instrumental in the foundation of CIAO and some pictures will be of current members. Take a stroll down memory lane. We will update pictures as our events unfold. Check us out on Facebook at CIAO Chautauqua Italian American Organization!

As a member of the Italian Federation of Buffalo, President, Sam Crisanti, distributed flyers of the upcoming Italian Heritage Festival. This year’s Italian Festival will be held at Niagara Square. The Festival times are from noon to 10:45 p.m. on Saturday and 11a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday. This year an Italian Mass will held at St Anthony’s Church, followed by a procession of St Anthony, a tradition of the villages in Italy and Sicily. More information can be found on their website BuffaloItalianFestival.com.

We are looking for new members! If you like food, great conversation, and fun, why not attend one of our activities and check us out? It doesn’t cost anything to come and see what we have going on. We would love to share our heritage with everyone and let’s face it, Italian have really good food! Maybe you want to explore your ancestors or play a game of cards and drink some wine. Why sit at home when you can be part of this wonderful group of people? We are open to all nationalities and would welcome learning new traditions. Children are always welcome! It’s a great safe environment for your family.